Side Effects Of Drinking Coffee That Might Surprise You

If you're in the majority of people who enjoy coffee, you probably can't get through the day without at least one cup. Whether you enjoy it hot, iced, plain, or topped with cream, coffee is a great way to give yourself a boost of energy. You probably already know about the main side effects of coffee, which can include energy, jitters, and anxiety depending on how much you drink and your tolerance level (via WebMD). However, there are some other effects of this drink that you might not have heard about before.

According to Eat This, Not That!, drinking coffee every day may increase your lifespan. One study published in the journal Circulation discovered that people who drank coffee each day (one to five cups) were more likely to live longer than those who drank little or no coffee (via Circulation). According to Eat This, Not That!, "the researchers reported that drinking one to three cups of coffee per day was associated with a 15% reduction in risk of dying." It is believed that the antioxidants, caffeine, and other compounds in coffee can improve cardiovascular health and blood glucose levels, which may contribute to a longer lifespan.

According to Health, drinking coffee may be linked to neurological health. A 2018 study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT), a fatty acid located in the coating of coffee beans, protected mice against disease. When combined with caffeine, which is found in coffee, EHT was shown to reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

According to Healthline, coffee may protect you from developing Alzheimer's disease and fight against depression. This drink has also been shown to improve concentration, aid in burning fat, improve physical performance, reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, and protect your liver. Some evidence even suggests it can lower the risk of certain types of cancer and stroke. It is also packed with antioxidants and other nutrients like riboflavin, manganese, potassium, magnesium, and niacin. So don't be afraid to have an extra cup of coffee today. Your body will probably thank you!